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Thursday, September 29, 2016

Over 90 horse entries make this parade one you don’t want to miss! Photo by Timothy Clopp Photography.

GREENVILLE, Ohio- Voted best parade by the readers of Ohio Magazine in 2015, Main Street Greenville is busy preparing for the 13th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade! The parade will take place the weekend before Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 19th.

The lighted horse parade event boasts 90+ entries and brings an estimated 8,000+ spectators into the downtown Greenville area. The parade will travel down South Broadway, travel around the circle, and return back up South Broadway.

The parade begins at 7 pm with entertainment leading up to the main event. Also, downtown businesses will be open late for holiday shopping and dining!

Main Street Greenville, the non-profit organization that has been coordinating the event since 2004, and the Hometown Holiday Horse Parade Committee is accepting entries for the parade. All entries must be horse-drawn carriages, wagons, riders or buggies. Nothing motorized is permitted for this parade.

Entry forms can be submitted online by visiting www.mainstreetgreenville.org, or by contacting their office at 937-548-4998 for a printed form.

Versailles Health Care Center would like to invite anyone considering joint replacement surgery to a FREE Total Joint Replacement Class.

The class will take place on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 6 pm in The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center. Dr. Chad Weber, Orthopedic Surgeon and Rehab Medical Director, along with Versailles Health Care Center Therapists, will provide information about the joint replacement journey. Information about preparation, hospital procedures, risks, and rehab will be discussed. This class will be beneficial for anyone, whether you are in the beginning stages of contemplating joint replacement surgery or have your surgery scheduled.

The class will include handouts and a question/answer session. Light refreshments will be provided.

Call Stephen Winner at 937.526.0130 for more information or to RSVP for this exciting event.

Edison State Community College is taking additional steps to promote the success of hundreds of displaced ITT Technical Institute (ITT Tech.) and Miami-Jacobs Career College (Miami-Jacobs) students throughout the Miami Valley by removing unnecessary barriers.

During the College’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, September 21 at the Piqua Campus, College leaders discussed how to take an inclusive approach to accepting credits from ITT Tech. and Miami-Jacobs, while still maintaining institutional policies already in place.

The Edison State Board of Trustees approved a residency requirement waiver for all former ITT Tech. and Miami-Jacobs students enrolling in classes at Edison State that begin on or before September 1, 2017. By allowing flexibility in this practice, displaced students face a shorter degree completion time and eliminate unnecessary costs in the process.

“Ultimately, the swift closures of ITT Tech. and Miami-Jacobs harms students, and especially those closest to completing their programs of study,” said Scott Burnam, Vice President of Student Affairs. “These students just want to complete their education and this board action, which for a set period of time and for those specific students waives the residency requirement for an Edison State degree, helps them to do just that.”

“Given the advocacy requested at the national, state, and accreditor level to remove barriers for these students and to help them complete, we felt that bringing this request to our Board of Trustees was another tool that Edison State can offer those affected to get them completed and into the workforce.”

To transfer to Edison State, former ITT Tech. and Miami-Jacobs students should send an official copy of their transcripts to Edison State for evaluation, and complete Edison State’s free, online application available at www.edisonohio.edu/getstarted.

Those who began pursuing a degree at ITT Tech.’s Dayton or Columbus branch or Miami-Jacobs’ regional branches but are now unable to complete their degree are asked to contact Julie Hasford, an Edison State Enrollment Manager with significant experience working with students in the for-profit space, by calling 937-778-7814 or emailing jhasford@edisonohio.edu.

Edison State Community College’s approach ensures compliance with its accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission.

MINNEAPOLIS – Acclaimed inspirational fiction authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse will be speaking and signing in promotion of their co-written novel Beyond the Silence, a historical romance with elements of suspense and mystery. Peterson will also be signing her most recent release, A Love Transformed, in the SAPPHIRE BRIDES series. Peterson and Woodhouse will greet readers, share about their writing process, and sign books on:

Peterson says that interacting with readers is one of her favorite parts of being an author, and “I hope they’ll enjoy this era of history as much as I have.” The two authors are long-time friends, and they speak at women’s retreats and churches about joy triumphing through adversity, which is also a theme of many of their books.

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at traciepeterson.com.

Kimberley Woodhouse is a multi-published author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared her story with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Connect with Kim at kimberleywoodhouse.com.

Greenville Public Library is co-sponsoring this event; light refreshments will be provided.

Join Darke County United Way on Friday, October 21, 2016 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm for Runway & Rhythm at Montage Café. This fun, laidback Friday evening event will feature a premiere fashion show by Youniques, hors d’oeurves, beer and wine selections by Montage Café, a silent auction, and great live music from Mark Cantwil.

Mark is a singer/songwriter from Ohio. His small town roots are the driving force behind the inspiring lyrics and music found on his debut album, "Last Chance Johnny" and sophomore effort "Diggin' On You". Both albums contain eleven diverse tracks that capture the spirit, the struggle, and the joys of everyday life. The Americana roots of heavy topics and storytelling are the foundation of Mark’s music and strongly represented on both albums. Mark is most often found playing solo shows but also tours with his band, a group of seasoned and talented musicians that he has branded “The Punch-Drunk Heroes”. Expect a high energy show with powerful vocals, thick harmonies, and tasty guitar and harmonica leads when you attend a "Mark Cantwil and the Punch-Drunk Heroes" show. You can also find Mark out playing as a duo with his guitar player, Brett Mullins. For more information about Mark Cantwil or to hear a sample of his music, visit http://www.markcantwil.com/.

Tickets for Runway & Rhythm are $25 each and are presale only. Tickets are limited so reserve yours today! You may purchase tickets at the United Way office by calling 547-1272 or at Youniques and Montage. Proceeds from this event will assist United Way partner agencies. Youniques will be open that evening for fantastic shopping during the event. United Way would like to thank our sponsors for this event who help to make this night possible including Brumbaugh Construction, Edwards Jones Financial Advisor Andria Haworth, Ramco Electric Motors, Romer’s Catering, Second National Bank, The Bootery, and Youniques. The live music was sponsored by George and Becky Luce.

Left to right – MVCTC FCCLA 2016-2017 Chapter Officers - Abigail Adkins an Early Childhood Student from Eaton; Alexis Spencer, an Early Childhood Student from Twin Valley South; Shayla Stephan, an Early Childhood Student from Arcanum-Butler; Cheyenne Meyers, a Culinary Arts Student from Tri-Village; and Tabitha Dispennette, an Early Childhood Student from Vandalia-Butler.

Englewood, Ohio - On September 19, 2016, the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter had their first official meeting to kick off the school year.

The students from MVCTC’s Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, and Hospitality Services programs all met in the school’s Student Activity Center for the kickoff of the community service project, sending care packages to troops and supporting veterans and military families through the Miami Valley Chapter Blue Star Mothers and creating cards to send to troops overseas.

The chapter officers for this school year include:

President; Shayla Stephan, an Early Childhood Student from Arcanum-Butler

Community Service Representative; Alexis Spencer, an Early Childhood Student from Twin Valley South

Class Representative; Tabitha Dispennette, an Early Childhood Student from Vandalia-Butler

The meeting consisted of the introduction of the new chapter community service project. The list of possible donations to Blue Star Mothers was shared. Blue Star Mothers is an organization that supports active troops all over the world, veterans and military families. During the meeting, MVCTC Supervisor and former soldier, Eric Dolan, spoke on the importance of supporting troops. Then the members created cards and pictures to send to troops overseas.

FCCLA is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private school through grade 12. Everyone is part of a family, and FCCLA is the only national Career and Technical Student Organization with the family as its central focus. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.

For over 45-years, MVCTC has been providing career technical education for 27 partner school districts encompassing five counties in Southwest Ohio. MVCTC is dedicated to providing in-demand workforce training for youth, adults, and organizations in the Miami Valley.

Greenville, OH (September 26, 2016) – Cox Insurance is proud to announce that it now offers the Allstate Insurance suite of products, including auto, property and commercial insurance to the community at two different locations.

Cox Insurance is owned and operated by Ryan Cox and is located at 118 S. Main Street in Ansonia and 212 Sycamore Street in Greenville.

“We are happy to share our expertise to help consumers get the best insurance coverages for their needs and to offer Allstate products to protect the things that are important to them – their homes, their cars, their boats, for example,” says Cox. “Our knowledge and understanding of the people in this community will help us provide customers with an outstanding level of service.”

The Cox Insurance Allstate independent agency’s office hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at both locations. Ryan Cox can be reached in Ansonia at 937-337-3161 or by email at ansonia@coxinsurance.com and in Greenville at 937-548-4321 or by email at greenville@coxinsurance.com.

The professionals of Cox Insurance are members of Professional Independent Agents Association of Ohio, Professional Insurance Agents and Trusted Choice. They have a combined 124 years of experience and are passionate about supporting local charities and events through volunteerism and donations.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Now celebrating its 85th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2015, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $36 million to support local communities.

The Darke County Visitors Bureau received two awards for “Excellence in Tourism Marketing”: a second place in the “Brochure/Flyer/Rack Card” category for the Western Ohio Frontier Trail and a second place in the “Visitor Guide” category for the 2016-2017 Darke County Visitors Guide. In coordination with the Visitors Bureau, the Western Ohio Frontier Trail brochure was designed by C.J. Jasenski of Projectonetwenty, Greenville, OH, and the 2016-2017 Darke County Visitors Guide was designed by Shelly Bohman of Graphic Communications, Maria Stein, OH.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for these awards, and the Darke County Visitors Bureau is very lucky to have great design partners to work with like C.J. and Shelly,” said Matthew Staugler, executive director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau. “These projects directly impact our economy by attracting visitors to Darke County and are great vehicles to show off all the unique things Darke County has to offer.”

The MIDDY Award name reflects our region of the country, said Chris Schutte, Chairperson of the 2016 OACVB MIDDY Awards. Recipients are recognized for excellence in objective, results, creativity and originality. 133 entries were received in print, advertising, promotion, social media, TV/video, website and marketing campaign categories. All entries are judged by a team of experts in the communications, advertising, public relations, publications and/or tourism fields from outside of the OACVB membership.

Convention and visitors bureaus are best described as destination marketing organizations and are responsible for promoting travel and tourism product awareness to visitors. Many outstanding marketing projects were submitted for the annual awards competition. Being recognized for a job well-done in the promotion of travel and tourism throughout the state of Ohio is a highly valued achievement.

The Greenville Schools Foundation has elected to repeat the 500 Club raffle through the 2016- 2017 school year as it was administered last year. Every month from October to June there will be a drawing for three winners:

1st place $50.00

2nd place $20.00

3rd place $10.00

Tickets are $10.00 each and last all year. No more than 500 tickets will be sold increasing your chances for a win!

The foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support programs and purchases within the Greenville City School District that benefit a large variety of student activities. Such programs make the Greenville Schools educational experience even more outstanding and could not otherwise be funded through conventional means. Proceeds from the sale of 500 Club tickets as well as other fundraisers throughout the year are used for this purpose.

You can buy your 500 Club tickets from any board member or by telephoning 548-9895 or 548-1530.

The Versailles Museum is planning ahead for the Christmas Season. We are looking for GI holiday letters from the WWII, Korea, or Vietnam era, along with gifts that you mailed overseas to your loved one, to enhance our Military room for Christmas. We are currently not accepting any WWI or later uniforms at this time.

We are looking for a 6ft. white Christmas tree to borrow for a special holiday display this year and also mini-skinny artificial trees in green. If you can help us, we would appreciate it! We are also looking for a mini running train set or two to replicate our own train history.

We are also working into the new year as we are looking for some antique barbering tools, chair and sign with an area history. Also any items that might be appropriate for our “On the Street Where You Live” display from any of our 9 villages would be appreciated.

Also we are always looking for great old holiday pictures to share from the past.

Please call the museum and leave a message at 937-526-4222. We will be getting back to you and as always thanks for your support!

Ohio Representation Jim Buchy, House District 84 on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives of the 131st General Assembly of Ohio congratulated Fort GreeneVille Chapter on their observance of the 125th Anniversary of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The certificate went on to pay tribute to the members of the Fort GreeneVille Chapter for "their praiseworthy record of service, and over the years, they have certainly distinguished themselves as dynamic leaders in the community." It went on to say, "Willingly giving of their energy and abilities, the members of the Fort GreeneVille Chapter of DAR, both past and present, have worked tirelessly to make a difference in the community. We are proud to note that it is through the diligent efforts of conscientious individuals such as these that the state of Ohio continues to prosper and remains a pleasant place in which to live and work."

On October 15 at 12 noon, St Mary Catholic community will join 15,000 America Needs Fatima public square Rosary Rallies being held across the Nation to honor our Lady of Fatima and pray for our country. St. Mary’s invites every citizen of Darke County, who is concerned about the destiny of our country, to participate in this rally and pray the Rosary with us. You do not need to be Catholic to pray the Rosary. The prayers are simple and easily learned.

Our Country is in great need of prayer, to reverse the negative trends that have been escalating during the last eight years of the current administration. If you are concerned about retaining your constitutional rights and religious freedoms, we need to unite in prayer because many voices will reach the heavens as a thunderous chorus of praise and petitions. These petitions will touch the heart of Our Lady of Fatima and her Son, Jesus; and will call upon the Father’s mercy for our Country. Please join us!

The Arcanum Alumni Association will be sponsoring a Marinated Pork Chop Dinner prior to the football game on October 28, 2016. Tickets are $7 and include a marinated pork chop, applesauce, bag of chips, and dinner roll available for pick-up/curbside or dine-in from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Arcanum Field House. All proceeds will go to the Arcanum Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Presale tickets are available at all home football and volleyball games, and also at Sutton’s in the lobby on Saturdays (October 1, 8 and 15) and Friday night September 30 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Last day to purchase a ticket is October 20th.

“Art At the Mill” will feature teapots and other vessels created by The Millrace Potters along with the mixed media photographic overlays created by Celina resident Virginia Burroughs at their upcoming art exhibit opening with an artists' reception at historic Bear's Mill on Friday, October 7. Entitled “Autumn Brews,” the display in the Mill's Clark Gallery will include leafy nature photography and clay vessels for holding and serving tea and coffee. Sweet and savory finger food plus drinks will be offered from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.; the artists will speak about their work, methods, and inspiration at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The exhibit, on display during Mill store hours, closes on Sunday, November 6.

According to Marti Goetz, Executive Director of Friends of Bear's Mill, much excitement surrounds the unveiling of new work by the Millrace Potters. “These artists have been creating beautiful functional and decorative pieces for many years, and Mill customers are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of their latest creations,” Ms. Goetz stated. “Virginia Burroughs' fantastic art photography will wonderfully complement the graceful shapes and interesting glazes of our ceramic artists,” she concluded.

Teacher, writer, and artist Virginia Burroughs has overlaid her photographs with photo segments and mixed media to help explore the reality of the scenes and enhance impressions of natural phenomena. “Various definitions of overlay include 'cover the surface with a coating, lie on top of, become more prominent than' or 'something laid as a covering over something else,'” Ms. Burroughs explained. “I like to think that this series of Nature Overlays revisits precedents from the past, but greatly revises them in my effort to share my impressions of and responses to our natural surroundings with others,” the artist concluded.

The Millrace Potters Collective, Julie Clark, Dionne Mayhew, Rita Wiley, and Loretta Wray, are good friends who share technical information, research, labor, and at times studios; this exhibition created unique challengers to the artists, as teapots and coffee serving vessels have many pieces and parts that require assembling. However, by adhering to the ultimate goals of balance, function, art, and design, each potter has created a series of unique and useful pieces.

Julie Clark along with her husband Terry is the previous owner of Bear's Mill; she continues to maintain a working studio in her barn home adjacent to the Mill. Versailles resident Dionne Mayhew was once the Mill's store manager, and creates her pottery in Julie's studio. Current Indianapolis resident Rita Wiley has collaborated with Julie for over 35 years, and will soon move to her new home just down the road from the Mill. Troy, Ohio native Loretta Wray, who also once managed the Mill store, lives and maintains a studio on a farm near New Castle, Indiana, and often shares her studio and soda kiln with other members of the Collective.

The figurative and functional porcelain vessels of award-winning ceramic artist Kim Anderson and the colorful mixed media pieces of Lynette Waters-Whitesell will remain on display at the Mill through Sunday, October 2. Bear's Mill is open 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. Sundays. Historic Bear's Mill is owned and operated by Friends of Bear's Mill, a non-profit organization, and is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear's Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.

Monday, September 26, 2016

On Saturday September 24, 2016 at approximately 8:35PM, Darke County Deputies along with Greenville Township Fire and Rescue responded to the SR 49 overpass at US Route 127 for a two vehicle injury accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed Randy Pickrell 47, of Englewood, Ohio along with his wife Jennifer 46, and 13 year old son were stopped at the on ramp from US Route 127 to State Route 49 in their white 2014 Ford Fiesta. Mr. Pickrell then proceeded onto State Route 49 to travel southbound and was struck by a northbound black 2004 GMC Sierra pick up truck driven by Galen Flora 26, and 4 year old son of Greenville, Ohio. Pickrell and his two passengers were transported to Wayne HealthCare for minor injuries, and the Flora's were treated and released from the scene.

This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office.

Greenville, OH September 18, 2016 - The Legislative Committee of the Greenville Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW) hosted the September 8th meeting which was held at the Brethren Retirement Community. The committee consisted of Gail Snyder (chair) and Diane Delaplane.

The program for the evening featured candidates for two local contested offices. Prosecuting Attorney candidates, R. Kelly Ormsby III, Republican and David A. Rohrer, non-party spoke as well as County Commissioner candidates, Matthew Aultman, Republican and Leon Rogers, Democrat.

Mr. Rohrer spoke first and talked about the need to fight the drug problems in our community and shutting down places where drug activity is prevalent. He also spoke of the need of an investigator to assist.

Mr. Ormsby addressed the drug issues in our community and how this has created more crime due to the increased need for people to support their heroin addiction. He mentioned that the drug Narcan is now being used two to three times a day in Darke County to save lives.

Leon Rogers, candidate for County Commissioner discussed his extensive business background, and experience which includes being on the city council and working with Main Street Greenville.

Matthew Aultman talked about accountability and responsibility as being all important. Factors he considers in making decisions are: How much does it cost? Can we afford it? Who will benefit? And does it pay for itself? He mentioned challenges in taking care of our roads and keeping expenses in line.

Following the candidates, BPW members discussed plans for their upcoming October 13th meeting which is the Annual Guest Night “What a Girl Wants”. Besides actively promoting membership to the club, proceeds from the evening will go towards scholarships for Darke County young women. The night will include vendors, a LulaRoe Fashion show, silent auction, and super raffle.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. Those interested in learning more about the Club can contact Membership Chair Deb Smith at 937/417-2434 or das24bike@gmail.com.

Herbert Ball, with children Nelson Ball and Peggy Ball-Arnold, formed The Ball Family Gospel Singing Group in 1969. Since founding their Southern Gospel Group over 40 years ago, The Ball Family has remained true to their commitment to make a difference.

Through a compelling combination of harmonious vocals and outstanding musical accompaniment, this family group has been able to reach out to people challenging them to accept the Lord and make a change in their hearts and lives. Since the first appearance, The Ball Family, from Covington, Ky, has shared their inspiring music ministry at auditoriums, camp meetings, prisons, and churches throughout the country. They have shared the stage with such groups as the Gaithers, Dixie Melody Boys, Greenes, Palmetto State Quartet, Statesmen Quartet, Speer Family, Dixie Echoes, Squire Parsons, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, The Blackwood Brothers and appeared on Barbara Fairchild's Sunday Morning Program in Branson, Missouri.

Today, The Ball Family is made up of seven talented singers and musicians who have come together to create an unmistakable sound and share a life changing message. Sarina Labig Ball wife of Nelson Ball, is a Darke County Native.

The Ball Family will be appearing at the Beamsville Christian Church on Sunday evening at 6 PM October 2, 2016 located North of Greenville on US 127 & Beamsville Union City Rd. Please come and join in on the wonderful music and fellowship.

(Greenville, OH) Sept. 21, 2016 – The Darke County YMCA, in conjunction with the Wayne Healthcare Foundation, the Greenville Rotary Club, and local health professionals, is pleased to offer free diabetes education classes beginning October 6.

The YMCA encourages residents of Darke County to be aware of their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and steps they can take to manage the disease once diagnosed. Currently, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and one in three (79 million) individuals have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise, but the amount of people with prediabetes is a growing issue that can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and physical activity. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but cardiovascular diseases, stroke and other conditions.

“The YMCA of Darke County recognizes that changing one’s lifestyle can be daunting, therefore, our free, eight-week course will give you the support and education to help you achieve success in preventing diabetes or to successfully manage the disease,” noted Sam Casalano, CEO.

The eight-week course will provide participants with weekly education, free materials and support on a wide range of diabetes related topics including monitoring and testing, diet and nutrition, exercise, foot and eye care, medication maintenance, and making healthy choices.

Classes will begin Thursday, October 6 and run each Thursday through December 1, (except Thanksgiving Day) from 6:15-7:30pm. There is no cost to participate; please call the Y at 548-3777 to register. Classes will be held at the YMCA at 301 Wagner Ave., Greenville. For those who attend seven of the eight weeks, a free two-month YMCA membership will be awarded.

“We are grateful to the Greenville Rotary Club and the Wayne Healthcare Foundation, as well as many other community individuals, for helping us provide the classes at no cost to participants,” said Casalano. “As a leading non-profit committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Darke County YMCA is a community of diverse individuals from all walks of life supporting one another in meeting wellness goals.”

For more information about the YMCA or to register for the course, please contact the YMCA at 937.548.3777 or visit www.ymcadarkecounty.org.

On October 2, 2016 Oakland Church of the Brethren will have our kick off for Sunday Night Live for any 6th through 12th grade student. SNL will be twice a month on Sunday evenings from 6 to 8. These evenings will help develop relationships with each other while forming a deeper relationship with God to help them now as well as their future. Students need not be a member of Oakland to join us for these evenings.

The evening will begin with a fun scavenger hunt with teams of youth taking a selfie or video with the items found on their lists. These items will be found around the Greenville area. A supervising adult will be driving the team to different locations to find the items on their lists.

After finding the items on their list, teams will return to Oakland. They will share their photos while enjoying the bonfire and snacks. At this time the youth team leaders will introduce themselves and explain their plans for the coming year.

Parents may enjoy the coffee shop during the youth’s scavenger hunt then join us at the bonfire to meet the youth team.

We cannot wait to see you and spend time together building relationships and deepening our faith. Our time together will be full of fun, snacks, games, and discussion. We have big plans for the upcoming year and cannot wait to share them with you.

If you have any questions, please contact Oakland Church of the Brethren at 937-448-2287, Kristene Clark at 937-447-8123, or Betty Byrd at 937-564-5522. Oakland is located 2 ½ miles north of Gettysburg at 8058 Horatio Harris Creek Road.

A beautiful four-tier display case is situated in the Reference Room of the Greenville Public Library. Each month a different set of collector's items are on display for patrons to enjoy. These collections come from people all over the county and cover a wide range of interests. For the month of October David Neff's weird paperweights collection can be viewed as part of a contest for “The Most Creepy Paperweight.” Come in and cast your vote for your favorite out of the thirteen. On the 25th there will a drawing from all the votes and the winner will receive a $10 gift certificate from the Chamber of Commerce. This is David's way of adding to the Halloween spirit and to bringing attention to the Library's interesting display case.

The AWTHS presently has two large portraits that were given on loan by the Don Dietrich family of their ancestor Lewis Dietrich. Lewis was the owner and had the brick home built in 1894 which was the Louis Deitrich Saloon. Per Anita Short’s Arcanum Business book we note the following: Per the GJ 4/5/1894 we read “The old Peter Siler property was sold last week to a Mr. Deitrich of New Bremen, who proposed to erect a hotel theron.” “The Deitrich house is now completed and will soon be occupied.” GJ 9/27/1894. In six months’ time the house was completed and was the Deitrich saloon until 6/29/1899.

Today it is the home of the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society located at 123 W. George Street in Arcanum.

From his obit found in The Arcanum Times dated 2-2-1939 we read that Lewis was born July 29, 1845 and was born to John and Elizabeth Dietrich. His birthplace was Mechlenburg, Germany. In 1850 his parents and six siblings came to Ohio and located in the New Bremen area. Until 1880 he worked for the government agencies in building canals in western Ohio. In 1880 he married Christina Roh at Piqua, Ohio. To this union were born nine children: Nero Henry, Caroline, Charles, Otto, Alma, Walter, Julius, Luella and Oliver. He moved to Arcanum in 1893. In 1913 he retired from farming and moved to Pitsburg. In an interview with family of Don Dietrich, we learn he had a house near the old Pitsburg School which was located on the north end of Pitsburg near Jefferson Street and Pitsburg-Laura Road intersection. His farm was found on the 1910 plat map and was on Grubbs-Rex Road in Monroe Township and was around 126 acres. It was also the farm that the Germany one room school house stood on. On the map it shows three house’s on the tract of land and is located before the S curve on Grubbs-Rex. He died January 20, 1939 at 93 years of age. He is buried at Mote Cemetery along with other Dietrich’s including his son Otto and grandson Glen. Other children of Otto are: Lloyd, Ruth, and Carl. There is also different spellings of Lewis first and last name as well as his wife’s in researching the history of the AWTHS house as well as his obit and tombstone. The AWTHS has two Souvenir school programs for Germany School. The first is the year 1903. A number of Lewis’s children attended and their names are listed as (note spelling) as following: Oliver Diedrich, Elma, Walter, Julius, and Luella. The teacher was Oscar Stuhlman. In 1908 attending from the Dietrich family were: Luella and Oliver Diedrich. Teacher is listed as Alfred Oakes.

The AWTHS has a file with the family history of the Dietrich family and a copy of his obit. See our website for contact information at www.arcanumhistoricalsociety.org.

The house will be open the first Saturday of the month in October, November, and December from 9am to noon. Come and view these portraits and additional information on the family as well as tour the historic landmark building or purchase books we have for sale by the late William Gunder and Anita Short. AWTHS memberships can also be purchased for individuals and families as dues are payable by January 1, 2017.

DCCA will open their 2016-2017 Coffeehouse Series season with Mirari Brass Quintet performing on Thursday, October 13 at Montage Cafe in downtown Greenville. The show begins at 7 p.m. tickets are $10 and $8 for DCCA members.

Darke County Center for the Arts will open their 2016-2017 Coffeehouse Series season with Mirari Brass Quintet performing on Thursday, October 13 at Montage Cafe in downtown Greenville. According to DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins, the ensemble performs a dynamic mix of genres that delights audiences of all ages. “Mirari Brass quintet can perform everything from Renaissance music to jazz classics,” Rawlins stated. “Their program showcases their skillful virtuosity balanced with a pure sense of fun, and will sound absolutely awesome at Montage,” he concluded. The show begins at 7 p.m.

DCCA's Coffeehouse Series presents high quality artists performing in an inviting, comfortable setting where food and drink are also available. “The friendly social atmosphere of a Coffeehouse show assures at the very least an incredibly pleasant experience,” stated Andrea Jordan, DCCA Executive Director. “And when the artists really connect with the audience, the experience can have a transcendent impact,” Ms. Jordan said.

DCCA's Coffeehouse Series is sponsored by EB Real Estate, Julie and Tom Graber, Eileen and Steve Litchfield, and Rodney Oda. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. DCCA also receives operating support from the Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial as well as funding from the Ketrow Foundation and Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund.

Tickets for the Mirari Brass Quintet performance cost $10/$8 for DCCA members, and can be purchased by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net, or purchased at DCCA's office located within Greenville Public Library as well as online at www.CenterForArts.net. Tickets will also be for sale at the Montage cafe and if any remain by showtime, tickets will also be available at the door.

GREENVILLE - The Greenville High School Vocal Music Fall Concert will be held on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00 pm at St. Clair Memorial Hall.

All seats are general admission for only $5. Tickets may be purchased prior to the concert in the choir room at Greenville High School from 7:30-11:30 am, Monday - Friday. Tickets will also be sold at the door the night of the show beginning at 6:15pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.

The 2016 Vocal Music Fall Concert will begin with the entire company performing “Believe.”
Girls Glee will sing “Fame” and “Let The River Run.” Collage will perform “All American Girls Medley” and “When We Were Young.”

The Wavaires will perform the following selections: “Nine to Five,” “Mountain Music”, “Stuck Like Glue” and “Beach Boys Tribute Medley.”

Concert Choir will close the concert with the following selections: “Fight Song,” “I See The Light,” “Double Trouble,” “Into The West,” “At Last,” “I Was Here” and “Already Home.” This set of songs will be performed by the Greenville High School Concert Choir at Disney World in January 2017.

Concert Choir along with the Greenville High School Concert Band and Orchestra will travel to Florida to perform at Hard Rock Café in Orlando as well as several locations at Disney World in January. The groups will also study their craft under the leadership of Disney professionals. If you would like to support these programs with fundraisers or through monetary donations, please contact Mr. JR Price or Mrs. Chelsea Whirledge at 937-548-4188.

In addition to the choral selections, there will be several spotlight acts featuring “Make You Feel My Love,” “Hallelujah,” “Someone Else’s Story” and more.

The choirs are accompanied by Judy Mills, and directed by Chelsea Whirledge.

Darke County Parks needs help! Butterfly habitat is declining, and scientists need to monitor their populations very closely. Every Friday at 2pm from now through October, join a naturalist to hike a pre-set path and record all the butterflies observed. These numbers will then be sent on to the Ohio Lepidopterists for scientific study. There’s no need to be an expert. A staff member will be present for the hike, and field guides will be provided. Hikes will occur as long as temperatures are above 60 degrees without rain. For more information, please contact the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Because of hills, wind, avoiding puddles, people, and obstacles, walking outdoors burns more calories than walking on a treadmill.

Darke County Parks is hosting a series of fitness programs called Naturally Fit occurring the fourth Monday of every month. Everyone wants to lead healthier lives and spend more time outdoors. However, workout machines aren’t always environmentally friendly, and gyms aren’t very exciting. Besides, sometimes life just gets in the way! Use these programs as an “excuse” to schedule time outside and get moving. Each of these programs focuses more on fitness than nature, with everyone moving at their own pace, whether that’s one loop or ten. The September program will take place September 26th at 4:30pm at Worth Family Nature Preserve which has 1.2 miles of loop trail through woods and along Greenville Creek. The park is located on Spring Hill Rd. 2.5 miles north of State Route 502 West. Meet there, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Step through a wrinkle in time to experience life on the Ohio frontier. On the weekend of September 24th and 25th the Darke County Park District will host its 16th Annual Prairie Days festival at Shawnee Prairie Preserve at 4267 St. Rt. 502 West near Greenville. As festival attendants wander through the grounds they’ll hear the ring of the blacksmith’s hammer on the anvil, smell fresh bread baking in the outdoor oven, and see long hunters tending their fires in the woodland encampment.

Come watch apple butter made over the fire, play children’s pioneer games, view local artists’ works, enjoy live music and entertainment. This year there will be performances by The Darke County Civic Theatre on Saturday at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm and Sunday at 3:30 pm. The Silver Grass Band will perform on Saturday at 1:00pm. Sunday enjoy back-to-back concerts from Berachah Valley at 12:30pm and the Thien Snipps at 2:00pm. Between acts, sit-a-spell with the pioneer volunteers in the log house or try your hand at candle-making, tin-smithing, and more! This year the cobb oven and sorghum press demonstrations are back. Take a stroll through the 18th century encampment and watch a tomahawk and knife throwing competition. New this year, the Greenville FFA presents their farm animal petting zoo for young and young at heart to learn and enjoy.

There will also be a wide variety of food to choose from. Take a load off as you enjoy fresh produce from Downing’s Fruit Farm, an ice cream cone from Just Ice Cream, or visit one of the non-profit vendors serving a wide variety of foods for lunch, snacks, and more! Participate in a pie-baking contest. Be sure to try your luck at the annual basket raffle before you leave! We hope to see you next weekend at Shawnee Prairie Preserve where admission and parking are FREE!

Transportation from the main parking areas will once again be provided by Greenville Transit System (GTS). Parking areas will be well marked with plenty of signage. This will make getting to and from the parking area to the festival grounds quick, effective, and safe for all family members. Handicap parking will once again be available in the paved lot at the Nature Center. (Please be sure to have your Handicap Placard visible). For more information, call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or visit the website at www.darkecountyparks.org

It is time to get protected for Flu season! The Darke County General Health District will be giving Flu Vaccine at several locations this year.

Our first public flu clinic will be held October 6th, at the Darke County General Health District, 300 Garst Avenue, Greenville. It is from 9am-4pm. It is a walk-in clinic.

The next scheduled public clinic for Flu vaccines will be at the Darke County Health Fair on Tuesday October 11th, from 8 am until 4 pm. This is located in the Youth Building at the Darke County Fairgrounds. Stop in, get your flu shot, and enjoy visiting the other vendors as well. Our regular Immunization Clinic at the Darke County General Health District will also remain open this day as usual, 8-10:30 am and 2-5:00 pm.

Do you live in the Bradford are? If so get your flu shot in the convenience of your own community. The Darke County General Health District will be giving flu shots at the Bradford Public Library on October 13th from 3:30-5:30.

Do you live in the New Madison are? If so visit us at Tri-Village Rescue on October 15th from 9-11am.

Do you live in the Ansonia are? Take advantage of the flu clinic on October 17th from 4:30-6:30pm at Ansonia Rescue

Since an annual Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, we hope that these extra clinics will help the public in planning to get immunized!

The Darke County General Health District is also administering Flu vaccine, along with all our other vaccines, at our weekly clinic on Tuesdays, 8 am to 10:30 am, and 2 pm to 5 pm, 300 Garst Avenue, Greenville. No appointment needed.

Most insurances are accepted including Anthem, Medical Mutual, United Health Care, Medicare, Medicaid, and many more. If you do not have insurance the cash price is just $30.

If you are planning to come to a clinic go to www.darkecountyhealth.org and print off a flu consent form. Complete your paperwork prior to arriving to save time.

Sojourner Quartet is a Christian music ministry based in Findlay, Ohio. Sojourner began in 1991 as a contemporary Christian group playing their own instruments and writing many of the songs they performed. As their popularity spread, they began to play throughout the country. In 1998, the group went solely southern gospel. As their ministry grew, they shared the platform with many of today's top southern gospel groups including The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, Ivan Parker, The Crabb Family, The Tally Trio, Triumphant Quartet and many more. Over the years, several songs released to southern gospel radio made the charts in the USA and in Europe.

These four men are completely devoted to Jesus Christ not only through their music ministry, but through their personal lives. Their mission is to glorify God, the Father, by witnessing the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ to as many people as possible, regardless of their denomination, through their music and personal testimony.

The church is located at the west edge of Pitsburg, Ohio at 8376 Pitsburg-Laura Road. A love offering will be accepted and refreshments will be served following the concert.

Austrian Crystal necklace from the Oliver Weber collection donated by Wieland Jewelers - one of the super raffle items to be launched at the Greenville BPW ‘What a Girl Wants’ evening Annual Guest Night.

Greenville, OH. “What a Girl Wants” is again the theme for this year’s Greenville Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Club Annual Guest Night on Thursday, October 13th. The organization is actively promoting membership in to the club as well as raising money to grant scholarships to the young women of Darke County. Vendors participating at the event are Origami Owl, Brown Bag Soap Company, Merle Norman, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Damsel in Defense and more. Also a special shopping experience by LuLaRoe is planned for the fun packed evening. LuLaRoe is a unique company that offers original limited edition, on-trend clothing at pop up boutiques. Try on dresses, skirts, tops, leggings and more from sizes xxs-3xl and take home your favorites and watch the style show for tips and tricks by stylist Tracy Wheeler.

The BPW club will also have their ‘super raffle’ tickets available at the guest night event. A stunning Austrian Crystal necklace from the Oliver Weber collection made with Swarovski elements donated by Wieland Jewelers, a 5 speed Diamond Blender with 60 oz pitcher from KitchenAid®, a Travel Accessory package from Good Times Fun Times and a Versailles Winery ‘Thrill of the Grill for 2’ are items that you can win. The drawing will be held at the Club’s December 8th meeting. The evening will also include delicious appetizers provided by J’s Country Market, silent auction, door prizes and a cash bar.

Come and join us for the evening and find out more about our Club! The event on Thursday, October 13th starts with a social time from 6-6:30 PM. The cost is $12.00 and the location is the VFW at 219 N. Ohio Street, Greenville, OH. Reservations need to be made by noon on Monday, October 10th, 2016 by contacting Marilyn Emmons at 937/548-5824 or demmons@embarqmail.com

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information.

TIPP CITY, OH (September 20, 2016) – New Creation Counseling Center has been accredited for a period of three years for its Outpatient Integrated Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment for Adults, Adolescents and Children.

The latest accreditation is the third consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has awarded to New Creation Counseling Center. By pursuing and achieving accreditation, New Creation Counseling Center has demonstrated that it meets international standards for quality and is committed to pursuing excellence.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows New Creation’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

New Creation Counseling Center is a non-profit affiliate of Ginghamsburg Church that has been providing outpatient-counseling services for more than 20 years. The main office is in Tipp City, Ohio, with satellite locations at EUM Church in Greenville, Fairhaven Church in Centerville, the Fort McKinley Campus of Ginghamsburg in Dayton and the Upper Valley Career Center in Piqua.

New Creation’s mission is to offer distinctively Christian counseling services to all persons in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Visit newcreationcounselingcenter.org, or call 937.667.4678 for an appointment.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

State of the Heart will be hosting a children’s Grief Support Group for any child ages 6-12 who are grieving the loss of a loved one. There need be no association with hospice and the sessions are free. This group will meet on Tuesdays starting October 4 and continue until November 1. Meets will take place in State of the Heart’s Darke Office (1350 N. Broadway) from 4:30-6:00.

“The loss of a loved one impacts us all in a different way,” stated Ashlee Slavin, Music Therapist and grief support specialist for State of the Heart. “This is particularly true of children as they grieve differently from adults.” She added, “The grief support groups provide a ‘safe place’ for young people to express themselves and to find that there are other youth who are experiencing the same feelings and emotions that they have.”

State of the Heart Care, with offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland, provides care to families and patients in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are facing a life limiting illness. An important part of the care is bereavement support which is provided free to anyone in the communities served, regardless of association with hospice.

“We offer our grief support groups for children at different times throughout the year,” Slavin said. “We always have a good response which tells me there is a definite need to offer this grief support to youth in our community.” She added that the non-profit agency also offers grief support sessions at area schools. The bereavement team from State of the Heart has helped schools when a death occurs suddenly, offering counseling to both students and staff.

Those wishing to attend the Children’s Grief Support Group must register in advance. To register or to learn more about bereavement care for all ages, contact any member of the bereavement staff at 1-800-417-7535. Visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.

Destination Known Missions Ministry of EUM Church in Greenville, Ohio is in its eleventh year partnering with the Potter’s House Association in Guatemala. Over the years, teams from EUM Church have built sixteen homes for families that live in the garbage dump shanty communities. They have visited countless families in their homes to pray with them, and to share Jesus with them in real and practical ways by installing wood burning cook stoves, providing much needed food to families, and passing out Bibles. Destination Known wants to continue building homes for families in the shanty communities; however, due to the increased cost of building supplies, funding these homes has become more difficult.

A Sweetheart Gala will be hosted by Destination Known with 100% of the proceeds being used to build homes for families living in the Guatemala City dump communities. This will be a great time to dress up and enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing, and treat your sweetheart to an evening out. This is an alcohol free event that will be held at Romer’s Catering in Greenville beginning at 7:00 pm on October 14, 2016.

There will also be a live auction with some great things to bid on. Items include a half carat diamond, Kitchen Aid mixer, Illumination tickets, corn hole, chain saw, convection oven, custom made bench, various baskets and more!

Tickets are on sale now! The cost is $35 per person. Tickets may be purchased at EUM Church or Romer's Catering.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, please make the check payable to EUM Church and mail to: EUM Church, 111 Devor St., Greenville, OH 45331, Attn: Cliff Rapier, and put "Guatemala Missions" in the memo line.

If you would like more information about the Sweetheart Gala, visit www.eumchurch.org or contact Cliff Rapier at 937-548-3211 ext. 212 or crapier@eumchurch.org. Also, follow EUM’s Facebook page and watch for continual updates on the auction items.

Jeff Harper is Lead Pastor at EUM Church. The contemporary worship services are Saturday at 6:30 pm and Sunday at 9:00, 10:30, and 11:59 am at the Worship Center located at 1451 Sater Street and a traditional worship service is Sunday 9:45 am at the Downtown Campus at 111 Devor Street in Greenville. Kidmunity Children’s Ministry is available for kids age birth through grade six at the 6:30 pm, 9:00, 10:30 and 11:59 am services. The Downtown Campus, 111 Devor Street, houses the offices. For more information, go to www.eumchurch.org or call 548-3211.

“Following Our Dreams & Building On New Traditions”. This years’ theme has a special meaning as we begin a “New Tradition” by combining our 1st annual Tri-Village Community & School Fair with Homecoming. “Following Our Dreams” applies to many wonderful and exciting things happening at Tri-Village and within our community. A long-lived dream for many was the addition of football to the school schedule. Many in the community have had visions and aspirations of someday cheering on a Tri-Village football team. This year that dream became reality with a varsity football team playing under the lights in a beautiful new facility.

Clayton Murphy, a Tri-Village graduate, also recently saw dreams come true as he participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics winning the Bronze medal in the Men’s 800- meter race. The community could not be more proud of this young man and all of his hard work in achieving his dream.

“See The Patriot Light, Feel The Patriot Heat” is the Homecoming theme for this year. The week long festivities kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 4th at 7:00 p.m. with a Clash of the Classes contest located at the football field. Please bring 1 canned good per person for admission, which will be donated to our local Boy Scout Troop. High School students may vote for Homecoming King and Queen, as well as School Fair King and Queen, throughout the evening.

A Powder Puff football game will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the football field at 7:00 pm. Please bring 1 canned food item per person, which will be donated to the foodbank at the Harrison Street Baptist Church. High School students may vote for Homecoming King and Queen, as well as School Fair King and Queen, throughout the evening. You do not want to miss the Little Miss ~ Mister Patriot Contest to be held at halftime of the Powder Puff game. Those interested, may pick up an entry form at the New Madison Public Library or New Madison Mini Mart. Applications were sent home with Tri-Village Pre-School children. Eligible applicants include children ages 3 to 5 from the Tri-Village Community or enrolled in the Tri-Village School system. All entries must be postmarked by Friday, September 30, 2016, and should be mailed to:

Thursday evening will host a “lighted” Homecoming Parade which begins at 7:00 p.m. The evening wraps up with a Bonfire and Pep Rally to be held immediately following the parade near the girls’ softball diamond.

One of the most popular contests of the School Fair has been the Pumpkin Decorating contest which shows off local talent with some fun and amazing entries. And of course it would not be a School Fair without a local Crop and Produce Contest to show off our local growers. All of these items may be entered on Friday evening from 3-5 in the Commons area as well as Saturday morning from 8:00-8:45.

Introduction and crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen, along with the Tri-Village School Fair King and Queen will take place Pre-Game at 7:00 p.m. Friday night. The Senior candidates, voted on by their classmates, are: Chloe Clark, Destiny Hemmelgarn, Shelby Hozapfel, Paige Malott, Rachel Miller, Kaylor Pearson, Trace Couch, Grant Flory, Jordan Midlam, Gavin Richards, Josh Wiford and Jonny Wilson. The Tri-Village School Fair candidates, voted on by their classmates, are: Juniors - Taylor Bowles and Jared Buckley; Sophomores - Peyton Bietry and Josh Sims; Freshmen - Alisha Rismiller and Javier Ramirez. The Crowning of the Tri-Village School Fair King and Queen is sponsored by the New Madison Kiwanis. Friday evening closes with the Tri-Village Varsity Football vs. Dohn Community game at 7:30 p.m.

The Tri-Village Community and School Fair Committee would like to honor and congratulate Dixie Robbins on being chosen as our 2016 Grand Marshal. Dixie attended Palestine School, graduated from Westmont and later received her Master’s in education from Miami University. She taught for many years in the Tri-Village School System. Dixie and husband Paul have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. She has a fun-loving personality and enthusiastic passion for her community which has touched many lives.

Saturday, the 83rd Tri-Village Community and School Fair events begins with an All-You-Can-Eat Sausage & Pancake Breakfast held at the New Madison United Methodist Church on Main Street from 7:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

There will be a vast assortment of vendors, artists and local groups setting up their booths Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. Individuals interested in renting a booth, please contact Chantelle Sebring at 996-0121. Booths will be open 9—5. Judging begins for the Pumpkin Contest and Crop & Produce in the Commons area at 9:00. Parade line up is from 10:00—10:30, with parade judging at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in the fun with decorated floats. Be creative, there will be monetary prizes! The parade, which starts at 11:00, will begin on Anderson Street and proceed to the school.

The Alumni associations will begin serving meals in the Commons immediately following the parade. A delicious menu is being planned by Delight Catering including chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, and green beans with a roll. Shredded chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, cheesy potatoes, vegetable soup and ham & bean soup with corn bread and fried noodles are some of the items available on the menu. Desserts will be prepared by Cindy Long Young including cherry & apple pie, brownies and cakes. The Alumni Associations will be receiving all proceeds from this event and will be serving in the Commons until 5:00 p.m.

Car Show registration begins at 12:30 p.m. in the upper north parking lot. Car Show questions, contact Monyca Schlechty at 548-0725. At 1:00 registration for the Pinewood Derby will begin in the High School Gym, racing to begin at 2:00. Also, games will begin on the front lawn including the traditional egg toss, sack race, three-legged race, tug-of-war, water balloon toss, pre-school nickel hunt, rolling pin toss (adults only) plus some new games. An Alumni Baseball Game will also be held at 1:00 on the baseball diamond on the south side of the school. Those interested in dusting off their cleats, contact Jim Maples at the school. Bingo will be taking place in the Commons at 2:00 sponsored by the Niles A. Richards Post (Hollansburg American Legion). Registration for the Mini Tractor Pull will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Student Parking Lot, with Pulls to begin at 3:30.

The Laroy Farst Post (American Legion), on Fayette Street in New Madison, will host a Chicken Dinner beginning at 5:00.

The Homecoming Dance will be held in the Elementary Gym from 8:00—11:00 p.m. An Elementary Dance (K-6) will be sponsored by the Civic Center (located on Harrison Street—next to the school) from 8:30—10:30 p.m.

All outdoor activities are weather permitting. We hope to see you at the fair and help keep our long-standing tradition alive!

It is the season of football, raking leaves, hayrides and more. Autumn officially begins this week, and the Arcanum Public library has geared up for fall! Want to learn more about your favorite team? What about finding the perfect recipe for fall gatherings? Need some craft ideas for yourself or your kids? What about a great story to read outside in the beautiful weather? Come into the library and find a book! The staff can help you find just the right one.

The Arcanum Library is also offering plenty of programs for all ages this season. For preschoolers, Mondays are the days for the very popular StoryTime sessions. One begins at 10:00am and the other at 11:00am. Both sessions are filled with stories, songs, crafts and fun. Keep updated with specific dates by checking out the calendar on the library website, www.arcanumpubliclibrary.org.

For children in grades 1-4, they can come to the library for their own afterschool program, AfterWords, on Mondays from 3:45 – 4:45pm. Come for the games, crafts, fun and friends. For kids in grades 5 and up, the library has begun a new program, TNT (Tweens and Teens). This is a drop-in program held on Thursdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm. Come join the staff for food, fun, crafts, games, experiments and more.

All ages have been enjoying the ongoing crochet group. They meet at 6:30 on Thursday evenings and all skill levels are welcome to join in. Bring a crochet hook and some yarn to begin, or feel free to bring a project you may have already started.

On Wednesday, September 28th, the library will have a “Coffee, Cocoa, and Coloring” session for adults beginning at 10:00am. Come in and relax with a nice hot beverage, and enjoy some quiet time to color and meet up with friends.

If you have any questions about these programs, or would like to learn more about the Arcanum Public Library, give us a call at937-692-8484. You can also visit the library website at www.arcanumpubliclibrary.org, or find them on Facebook.

Versailles Health Care Center is raffling off a fire pit to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. If you would like to purchase a raffle ticket, please stop by the Business Office at Versailles Health Care Center Monday through Wednesday this week between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm or call 937-526-5570 for more information. Tickets are $1 each or $5 for an arm’s length. The winning ticket will be drawn on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 2:30 pm after an “Elvis” themed day featuring movies, music, and trivia at the health care center. Tribute artist Jason Griffith, as Elvis, was previously scheduled to appear on September 22 but will now be visiting Versailles Health Care Center on October 14th at 2:00 p.m. Please make sure to come over and join us for the event.

Versailles Health Care Center will also be selling baked goods the afternoon of September 22 to raise funds to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Mark your calendars for this event. It is a great way to help others and have fun at the same time. The public is invited to join the residents, patients and staff for an afternoon of fun!

Versailles Health Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that offers long-term care, short-term rehab services, and outpatient therapy. Versailles Health Care Center sent home 197 patients who utilized its short-term rehab services in 2015 and 132 so far in 2016! If you are interested in learning more about Versailles Health Care Center or would like to take a tour of the health care center, please call us at 937.526.5570, or visit on the web at www.versailleshealthcare.com.

Are you ready for some football? How about an afternoon of questions and answers from some of the best local experts on the subject? Are we peeking your interest? What about reliving the glory days of Tiger Ball? I hope we’ve wet your appetite for some touchdown fun!

Your Versailles Area Museum is excited to host an afternoon of such fun and memories for our community’s avid love of the game, when former Tiger head coach, Al Hetrick along with Bruce Stall, Tom Donnelly and others will answer your questions about Browns, Buckeyes, and Tigers as well as sharing their memories of games gone by and how the future looks for some of our area college and pro favorites.

We invite you to join us next Sunday September 25th at 200 p.m. at the Museum for conversation about all things football. We hope you’ll join us!

If you are a nature-loving plein air artist, we invite you to be a part of the Tipp City Area Art’s Council’s 2016 Paint Out Weekend on October 7 & 8! Historic Tipp City - voted as one of the most charming hometowns in Ohio - offers a plethora of opportunities for the plein air artist. From our quaint downtown shopping and dining district to our carefully preserved homes to our scenic Canal Lock Park, Great Miami River or Miami County’s Charleston Falls, the plein air artist will find a scene worth painting!

Our Paint Out Weekend starts with Dinner and a Demo on Friday, October 7th by one of Ohio’s finest plein air artists, Doreen St. John, whose paintings demonstrate her love of the natural environment. “I’m inspired by the way light and color influence what we see and feel… My work is really about Relationships…the relationship between shapes, light/shadow, and between the viewer and the artist, scene, or subject.” St. John has given workshops and exhibited her work nationally in juried outdoor art shows; has been represented in galleries in Canton, Akron, and Columbus; and has won numerous awards, including “Best of Show” for her watercolor paintings. She is represented by Turner Studio & Gallery in Columbus, Ohio, and Cyrus Custom Framing & Gallery in Canton, Ohio, on her website www.doreenstjohn.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/doreenjstjohn/?ref=bookmarks

The Dinner & a Demo evening will be held in the Hotel Gallery at 101 E. Main St. in downtown Tipp City. Coldwater Café will cater the evening’s meal. The festivities begin at 6:00 P.M. with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner and the guest artist demonstration from 7:30 to 9:30. The cost of the event is $50; $45 for TCAAC members. Tickets are limited and may be purchased online at our website (www.tippcityartscouncil.com/paint-out-weekend), at Tipp Monroe Community Services (3 E. Main St., Tipp City) during working hours or by contacting TCAAC at 937-543-5115. Please leave a message to have your call returned.

On Saturday, October 8th, our Paint Out Weekend continues as we welcome artists from all over the county and state to our day long, free plein air paint out event from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Artists are to check in to our Welcome Center at the Hotel Gallery’s Gathering Room at the corner of Main and 2nd Street. Coffee, water, and snacks will be available, as well as maps of Tipp City and suggestions of potential locations. Artists are to return by 3:30 P.M. for their piece to be considered in the Paint Out Competition. Artists may also bring up to three additional pieces of plein air work (at the discretion of the Gallery Steward) which may be exhibited and sold during the event. Artists keep all monies made. Prizes for adult artists include:

The Tipp City Area Arts Council Award ($200) – presented by the Arts Council and judged by Marti Goetz

Along with the Adult Paint Out, TCAAC will sponsor a Kids’ Corner Paint Out located outside the Hotel Gallery on Main and Second Streets. First, Second, Third Places and Best of Show judged by Randy Lukens and Marti Goetz will be presented for the children’s category, as well.

Can you hear the sound of the train whistle? Or perhaps you can see the black smoke curling up in the autumn blue sky? Maybe you know the engineer as he waves to you as the friendly little train makes its way through the eastern farms of Darke County?

This would be the life 100 years ago along the route of the famed CH&D (Cincinnati, Hamilton, & Dayton) railroad. This train making its way through the farmland with stops in Versailles, Yorkshire, and Osgood was like a visit with old friends.

Bob Luttmer, our resident train enthusiast along with the help of our expert researcher, Sarah Magoto will tell the story of what people today said was our local version of the old 1960’s TV show, “Petticoat Junction”.

A table of CH&D memorabilia will also be on display for all to enjoy during our program.

We invite you to join us for our September Last Monday program on September 26th at the Versailles Area Museum boarding is at 1:00 p.m. to relive the days of the little train that could!

To become a DAR member by documenting lineage to an ancestor who aided the cause of American independence through military, civil or patriotic service, Betty was able to join under her ancestor William Jay. William is recognized for his patriotic service during the War.

September 17 - 23 is Constitution Week. In 1955, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress with a resolution; this week of observance for the foundation of the American form of government was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 2, 1956. George W. Bush officially declared the inception of Constitution Week in 2002. The commitment of the NSDAR is to encourage study and educate the public about the Constitution, which was adopted by the American Congress of the Confederation on September 17, 1787.

Darke County for the Arts will give tours of the beautiful and historic Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall, Saturday, September 17 from 12 till 2 p.m. first opened to the public over a century ago and still serving the community today.

Buildings not only provide shelter, they harbor stories that can be meaningful, impacting lives in diverse ways. Ohio History Connection's “Open Doors Ohio” September 9 through 18 offers the opportunity to explore landmarks throughout the state including several sites in Darke County, and discover new insight and additional knowledge regarding these community treasures. Garst Museum, Bear's Mill, and the Bradford Railroad Museum are participants, and can be visited during their normal operating hours. Versailles Area Museum welcomed visitors to their facility on September 11, and will host the annual Homecoming at St. Peter's Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 18.

On Friday, September 16, visitors are invited to explore the Darke County Court House from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. Greenville Union Cemetery is offering self-guided tours of those hallowed grounds from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, including a peek at the majestic Mausoleum. The first brick schoolhouse erected in Darke County will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. that same day; the Studabaker Schoolhouse on State Route 49 south of Greenville is managed by Fort Greene Ville chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Greenville Public Library is providing guided tours of their stately structure, and will be offering refreshments as well on Saturday, September 17 from 12 till 2 p.m. During that same time period, Darke County for the Arts will give tours of the beautiful building standing right next to the Library, historic Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall, first opened to the public over a century ago and still serving the community today.

The National Preservation Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 15, 1966, has been instrumental in preserving the historic fabric of our neighborhoods, establishing the framework and incentives necessary to save buildings, landscapes, and archaeology. Ohio History Connection (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) initiated “Open Doors Ohio” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this law.

Highly successful wholesale grocer Henry St. Clair bequeathed $100,000 to the Greenville Board of Education “for the purpose of erecting a Memorial Hall for the use and betterment of the public schools in any manner in which said board may think most practicable and beneficial to the public.” That hall, begun in 1910 and completed in 1912 with $35,000 in additional funds provided by Henry's widow Ella, has welcomed thousands of students enrolled in Greenville City Schools, as well as hosts of others who attend the performances, lectures, and events that occur there. The memories contained therein meaningfully connect St. Clair Memorial Hall to generations of local citizens, becoming a part of a far-flung heritage that reaches around the globe.

Henry and Ella's legacy remains an integral part of Darke County lives today, helping to keep our community welcoming and vibrant. All who have entered Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall play a role in maintaining the building's relevance as time passes and things change. Recognizing the true value of such places requires more than a monetary calculation; contributions made daily to countless lives result in warm memories and fond recollections plus much more. These priceless structures not only represent the past, but also serve the community in the present, enhancing the future for us all.

Reader Comments About DarkeJournal

Thanks to your wonderful “for sale” and “garage sale” section. I have used both successfully. Keep up the great reporting.

From someone who used the unclassifieds: "Thanks to DJ we rented [out] the house!"

We understand your site really has the best coverage for our county.

Darke Journal is a great website. We kept up with the weather and all the local news on a recent trip. Keep up the GREAT WORK.

Keep up the excellent work with the site. Its refreshing to have such a glowing forum for thought and info in the area!

I'm a huge fan of Darke Journal - thanks for providing this website/email information for the community.

I think we can all agree, this is the best site of its kind for Darke County by far.

Your web site has been a great advertising place for our programs ... we always receive lots of calls. Thanks for all you do.

Must say I think you have done a really great job with the site.

Your web site is such a benefit to the community.

......the journal ROCKS!!!!!

Thanks for all your help. Darke Journal is the number one source for Darke County community news.

I have truly enjoyed keeping up with the Darke County news, but the constant reporting on conservative causes is totally inappropriate.

Darke Journal is sure on top of everything.

I really appreciate you running and bumping the garage sale ad over the last few days. My son and I had a really successful sale, and your site was a big help in making that happen (many people told us that they heard about it through DJ).

I am a huge fan of your website. It brings more useful information than the newspaper does and even though I am attending college and am away from home, I still check out your website about once a day to keep up on local events.

I just love your website. It's better than any newspaper or TV program. Keep up the good work.

I like the DJ because it just gives the facts pure and simple. I also like to read what the readers think. You keep up the good work & you will grow!

I am so glad that I found this site. It is so nice to have such an upbeat & unbiased Darke County news. I look forward to checking it each day. I just found it this month. Plus, I can feel free to voice my concerns on issues. Great web site!

When I turn on my computer in the morning, I check the weather and Darke Journal before anything else. Thank you for the pix & info on this site. It's nice to know what's going on in our great Darke County.

You are doing a great service and this is a great media outlet!

It just gets better and better! Truly, the 'mix' is what makes it so good for all readers.

DJ = nice guy, but should relinquish his website duties.

This is a wonderful site! I am so glad there is a place in this community where people can voice their opinion about issues. In the past for many years this community seems to be run by so called political people with others hiding in the brush waiting to inform their leaders of those who disagree with an issue on hand, just so they can point them out and try to ruin their life. Again I am so glad finally, an average Joe can make an Anonymous posted opinion and not fear that they will be pointed at or looked down for stating how they feel. Thank you D. J.

It’s better than most of the media available in and around Darke County.

The web site has had steadily increasing viewership over the last year or two and, at least in my opinion, has become a major player in getting news and commentary to Darke Countians.